Close, but no cigar.

Close, but no cigar.

It’s the most likely result, even after you have put in your best effort. This is to say that, though it can happen, it’s not reasonable to expect to half-ass something and be successful at it.

Think discipline is the answer?

Try this: don’t think of a polar bear.

…

See? Discipline, if such a thing exists, is rarely enough.

Luckily there are better catalysts for change like curiosity, fun, love, a sense of accomplishment, but also guilt, anger, or fear …

Forget about discipline; find a reason that’s good enough for you to do the thing, and you won’t be able to resist doing it.

Image by Annie Spratt